| Turkey hunting has the potential for being
very dangerous because you are making turkey calls and sounds like a turkey and are
wearing camo clothing, making you nearly invisible. Other hunters may be attracted to your
location or mistakenly identify you as a target. |
| 1. For your personal safety, wear a
camo turkey hunter's vest that features blaze orange panels you can display when moving
around. Or, for additional safety, wear a camo turkey hunter's Ballistic Vest that will
protect against shotgun blasts. |
| 2.
Never stalk a turkey. The chances of getting close enough for a shot are slim, but the
chances of becoming involved in an accident are increased. |
| 3.
Eliminate the colors red, white and blue from your turkey hunting outfit and gear. Red is
the color most hunters count on to differentiate a gobbler's head from the hen's
blue-colored head. White can look like the snowball-colored top of a gobbler's head. Leave
those white T-shirts and socks at home. Not only will these colors put you in danger, but
they can be seen by turkeys as well and will alert them to your presence. |
| 4.
Never move, wave or make turkey sounds (calls) to alert another hunter of your presence. A
quick movement may draw fire. Yell in a loud voice and remain hidden until you are sure
the person recognizes you as a human. |
| 5.
Never attempt to approach closer than 100 yards to a roosting turkey. The wild turkey's
eyesight and hearing are much too sharp to let you get any closer. |
| 6.
Be particularly careful when using a gobbler call. The sound and motion may attract other
hunters. Using one in a heavily hunted public area is especially dangerous. |
7.
When selecting your calling position, don't try to hide so well that you can't see what's
happening around you. Remember, eliminating movement is your SECRET
to success, not total concealment.
|
| 8.
Select a calling position that provides a background as wide as your shoulders,and one
that will completely protect you from the top of your head down. Small trees won't hide
slight movements of your hands or shoulders which might look like a turkey to another
hunter who might be stalking your sweet calls. Position yourself so that you can see at
least 180 degrees in front of you. |
| 9. Camouflage conceals you. It does not make you
invisible. When turkey hunting, think and act defensively. Avoid all unnecessary movement.
Remember, you are visible to both turkeys and other hunters when you move even slightly.
Sitting perfectly still will help you bag more turkeys than all the camo you can wear,
even if you wear the newest patterns available. |
| 10.
Never shoot at sound or movement. When turkey hunting, assume that every sound you hear is
made by another hunter. Be 100% certain of your target before you pull the trigger. You
can never take the shot back if you make a mistake. |
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